Repair vs. Replacement

WHACK!
There was a time when a chip or crack in your windshield meant certain replacement. That's no longer the case. Modern technology makes it possible to repair windshields that would have previously been scrapped. Not only does this save your windshield, it also saves you money.
Do I have to replace my windshield or can it be repaired?
Windshield repair or replacement depends on the size, location and severity of the damage. The majority of windshield repair shops can repair quarter-sized rock chips and cracks up to six inches long. Anything bigger and most places will recommend replacement.
Location of the damage also plays an important role in determining your windshield's fate. Cracks at the edge of the windshield tend to spread very quickly and can compromise the structural integrity of the glass. If they're caught in time, they can be repaired.
Regardless of the size and location of a chip or crack, it's always advisable to have it repaired quickly. If you wait some time to repair it, dirt can work its way into the damaged area, affecting the effectiveness and clarity of the repair.
Finally, bear in mind that if your windshield took a big enough hit, it may simply be beyond saving. Major impacts (BIG objects) or accident damage go beyond what any repair facility can fix. In these severe cases, replacement is a must.
How much will this cost?
The cost to repair a windshield is pretty standard across the country. MSN Autos surveyed windshield repair facilities across the country and found that costs are fairly consistent. Repairing a single rock chip costs around $40-$50 for the first chip, then usually $10 extra for each additional chip. The cost to repair most cracks is about the same.
Windshield replacement costs considerably more and varies greatly depending on the vehicle. In addition to the cost of the windshield itself, a windshield molding kit and installation labor must be factored into the overall replacement cost.
MSN Autos checked with an assortment of dealers and automotive glass shops to get an idea of representative replacement costs for the following four 1998 vehicles—Toyota Camry, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Corvette, BMW 540i. All prices include windshield, molding and installation.

Vehicle	Dealer Price	Automotive Glass Shop Price
Toyota Camry	$550.00	$350.00
Ford Explorer	$1,300.00	$400.00
Chevrolet Corvette	$920.00	$650.00
BMW 540i	$650.00	$500.00

The difference in cost between a dealer price and an independent glass shop is usually due to the actual glass used. Dealers often charge more because they're using an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) windshield, which is exactly the same as the one that originally came with the car.
Meanwhile, local automotive glass shops typically use windshields from non-OEM suppliers. This glass is usually less expensive, but offers quality, safety and clarity similar to the more-expensive OEM windshield. Non-OEM glass is required to meet or exceed the same safety standards as OEM glass.

Is this covered by my insurance?
Windshields are covered by nearly all automotive insurance companies. But because the cost to replace a windshield is so much higher than repairing it (four to ten times higher), coverage is handled differently for replacement vs. repair.
If you're replacing a windshield, your insurance company will ask you to pay your deductible and they'll pay for the complete replacement.
However, if you're repairing the windshield, the deal is a little sweeter. Having recognized that it's more economical to repair a windshield than replace it, some insurance companies will waive your deductible and pay for the entire repair.
This is confirmed by Jean Mires, Operations Manager for AAA Insurance in Bellevue, WA, who told MSN Autos, "If a windshield needs to be replaced, we pay the replacement cost and the policyholder pays the deductible. But if it can be repaired, then we waive the deductible and pay for the repair in full."
This arrangement encourages customers to repair their windshields rather than replace them every time they're chipped. It also represents a substantial savings to both you and your insurance company over the lifetime of your policy.
On the other hand, if your windshield is in genuine need of replacement don't skimp, replace it. A heavily damaged windshield is not only difficult to look through, it's also unsafe. The structural integrity may have been compromised and could weaken further if it isn't replaced quickly.
Have a qualified glass specialist carefully examine your windshield to determine whether a repair will suffice or if it should indeed be replaced. Also remember to check with your insurance agent to confirm the terms of your coverage before committing to any windshield work.
How does windshield repair work?
Windshield repair involves injection of a special resin into the damaged area using a tool that attaches directly to the glass. Once injected, this resin is then cured and polished to restore the clarity and strength to the glass.
When a chip or crack occurs, it often spreads into the windshield's inner layer of plastic, which is sandwiched between two layers of glass. In some instances, a drill is used to make a clean passageway to the plastic, where the resin is injected to repair the damage.
Think of a windshield repair as first-aid that prevents the damage from getting worse. In some cases, it may look nearly perfect, while in others, it could still appear slightly blemished. But in either case, a proper repair prevents damage from spreading.
And since every chip is unique, some will respond more effectively to repair than others. A repaired windshield will never look as perfectly clear as a brand new one.

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